On Saturday, August 30, 2025, Arcata carrier Richard Vega will clock in for the very last time after 41 years of Postal Service and 47 years of combined Federal service.
He won’t be leaving without a party though, there will be a special send-off at the Arcata Post Office, 799 H Street, Arcata CA 95521, Friday, August 29, at 9:00 a.m.
Vega started his Postal Career in 1984 as a carrier at the Oakland Post Office after completing his service in the Army.
Vega later transferred to the Benicia Post Office where he served until coming to his final assignment at the Arcata Post Office in 2016.
Over the course of his career Vega witnessed a lot of change with an increase in package volume and enhancement in automation.
He is also the proud recipient of the Million Mile award.
The Million Mile award is a lifetime enrollment, and it is given to drivers who have accumulated one-million miles or 30 years of driving without being involved in a single preventable motor vehicle accident.
He will miss many aspects of his career, but for Vega it is the act of helping his customers he will miss the most.
“I thoroughly enjoyed being of service to the community. I will miss the joy of delivering that special birthday gift to a child and the opportunity to comfort my customers in difficult times,” said Vega.
In his next chapter Vega looks forward to spending time with his family and continuing his focus on service by volunteering his time in the community as a newly certified minister.
